- [first lines]
- Group Capt. Todd: My name is Group Captain Todd. During the war I commanded an RAF station on the east coast of England. This is the story some of the men of an air-sea rescue unit who served under my command. They didn't fly, but went to sea in high-speed launches. Their job - to rescue their comrades from the sea.
- Cpl. Robb: First trip?
- A.C.2 Milliken: Yes Corporal. It's nice and smooth, isn't it?
- Cpl. Robb: Yes - just another pleasure trip!
- Flight Sgt. Singsby: [of A.C.2 Milliken] You're a civilian in for the duration aren't you? Well, you made it, and so will he. And the same way - the perishin' Flight Sergeant, chasing you from bung-hole to breakfast time.
- Cpl. Robb: I was a bit older.
- Flight Sgt. Singsby: Maybe you were. But he'll grow old - I'll see to that.
- Flight Sgt. Singsby: Skinner!
- Cpl. Skinner: Return to base, Flight?
- Flight Sgt. Singsby: Kite in the drink - start her up. Kite in the drink, Skipper!
- Gus Westover: This is it Milliken - we're going to war!
- Sgt. Kirby: As my old grandmother used to say: "patient, be ever patient, and joy shall be thy share"
- Flight Sgt. Singsby: Without an efficient crew, you're up the well known creek.
- A.C.2 Milliken: Excuse me - I think I've set the boat on fire!